Tangible goal to achieve loftier pursuit?

The best way to reach any goal is to break it down into baby steps. If a tangible goal helps you along the path to attaining the higher one (and you’re not stepping on necks in the process), I’d say go for it. I’m not sure an uber-expensive watch would be the best short-term goal for a moneymaking/ money-saving mentality. Investments that may or may not be flashy, but have legs, would be a good bet.

If that works for you, then use it. The good thing about self-employment is that you have greater control. The downside is that it usually means longer hours and greater responsibility. You have probably considered this and are okay with it. If the nature of the work is not in itself a driving force then the benefits derived from it can work as a motivator..

That does not seem to be the way to go unless you are highly motivated by material things. I would start by writing down my goal. That makes it more likely you will succeed at it.

The scenario is for a person that is actually not driven by material things. The idea behind using a material goal is sort of like the joke in which one person says “i wish i had the money to buy an elephant”, then is asked what does she want an elephant for, to which she replies “i dont want the elephant, just the money to buy one.” ;)

Set a distant goal, be bold, stretch yourself. Then work backwards, determining what you have to do just prior to reaching that goal. Then do the same for that sub-goal, on back to right now. Figure out what you have to do TODAY in order to work toward that distant goal.

Do your research on all of these goals. Talk to people who have reached the goal you’re aiming for and ask what they had to do to get there.

This “backwards goal-setting” works well because it focuses your intensity on the goal(s) you want to reach. It will also put you miles ahead of most others, since so few people have the self-discipline and perseverance to work this approach. Good luck!

Not everyone is motivated to work for money. So if you’re one of those people that aren’t, that might not work out so well. I think setting tangible (meaning those that are easier to reach, comprehend, work towards not material goods) smaller goals that collectively help you to reach a larger, seemingly more abstract goal is a good general approach to moving forward.

It’s one way. Money is definitely a powerful and potent motivator. Especially if you lack same. To reach level 2 you will need more esoteric goals, like prestige, power, and pride.